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Since the start of the pandemic, North Somerset Council has distributed more than £46m of government grants to 4,000 businesses – but many more have yet to claim.
The number and nature of the grants is complicated. There are lots available, depending on the nature of the business and its size.
To help business owners navigate them all, a dedicated telephone number has been set up by North Somerset Council to offer support.
Call 01934 888 114 or send a message to the dedicated email address.
Your business might be entitled to business rate relief, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Bounce Back loans, or Universal Business Support. There is also a new Closed Business Lockdown Payment, which the council will contact businesses about from early next week.
Officers will work out what grants you might be entitled to and help you make your claim.
Shop local online
Supporting local businesses remains important for the health of the High Street.
While shopping online, consider these websites before the big corporations:
- The Weston Collective stocks a range of locally-made items through its website and Facebook page.
- Find North Somerset-based artists, producers and craftspeople on the Made in North Somerset Marketplace. This online platform enables you to buy directly from the producer, whether it’s food, drink, arts or crafts.
- Online High Street shopfronts are also in development. See Weston, Nailsea and Portishead.
- Find tasty treats in Clevedon through the Discover Clevedon Facebook page and Clevedon Sunday Market.
If you run a local business you can add yourself to the business finder map so customers can easily find you.